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All
you need to do is look around you. Television, magazines,
posters, products, advertising mediums abound! The are hundreds
of thousands of models from which advertisers or booking agents
choose from (more on this later).
Many
models do part-time work when it is available. They have a
full time life and/or career outside of modeling. They get
paid anywhere from $100 to $5,000 for a particular assignment.
Some do part time modeling because they enjoy it and it provides
some extra money too!
factoid;
Cameron Diaz was reluctant to have her photos taken (this
was early on) but she did a photo shoot. Later her picture
was shown to someone casting the film "The Mask".
She eventually went to casting after being notified and had
NO experience at all with acting or movies! Well, we all know
what happened - she was chosen and went on to become a super-star
(also being the highest gross earnings actress last year!).
Does
overnight success happen all the time? Of course not. Could
it happen to you? No one knows. But if earning some extra
money, whether it be a few hundred or several thousand dollars
appeals to you then read on..............
ALL
MODELS MUST HAVE A PORTFOLIO.
After all, you cannot be considered for anything if no one
can see you!
A
portfolio is a collection of photographs that agents and advertising
firms view. It contains different styles of modeling (matched
up to the type of work you'd like to do or be willing to do).
A portfolio is always being added to with fresh material including
previous work.
You
should also have ZED cards - similar to a 'business card'
but larger and includes a few of your best photos and your
contact info.
For
types of modeling classifications Click
Here
How
do you get paid to model?
Two things are required: 1) a portfolio 2) getting your portfolio
noticed.
1)
Getting a portfolio.
To
do this you need a photo session where all the different styles,
poses and 'look' is done for you. This is usually compiled
of many photographs. A good session to start your portfolio
may take up to 6 hours or more and include hundreds of shots.
If
you want to pay for this it can cost a substantial amount
of money (average being $1200 - $3500). Most beginning models
use what's called TFP to start their portfolio. TFP enables
you to get your photographs for free because the photographer
is willing to provide you them at no cost in exchange for
your time. This is usually for a variety of reasons: a) a
new photographer wants to add to his/her portfolio b) the
photographer is changing or entering into a new area of photography
style, or c) the photographer likes what he sees and thinks
you can do very well so is willing to bet his/her time on
you being successful.
So,
your very first step is getting photographs done. Freelance
models need more in their portfolio than someone represented
by an agency. For an example of portfolio inventory click
here.
LiteFocus
does do TFP. To be considered
just fill out our request form. An interview is usually done
before approval for a TFP session is booked.
2)
Getting out there
Promoting
of modeling portfolios has endless possibilities and methods.
The Internet is one method (modeling database websites / agencies).
You can choose to do this yourself or get an agent. Your agent
can also be your photographer and he/she will help promote
your portfolio and also advise you when the time comes to
decide on taking any offered work or not. An agent doesn't
necessarily mean that it will cost you money. Many agents
only accept payment as a small percentage of any work that
they get you (since they did the work to get your the job).
Some
other things to consider:
- Modeling
isn't always a natural trait but is learned. There are those
that are 'naturals' when it comes to working in front of
a camera but even those learn a lot to hone their skills
/ look. Could you have the skills and not even know it?
- Is
there a downside to putting together a portfolio? You will
have to invest some time for a session and find the right
photographer for you but other than that there is no loss
or downside (if you use TFP method).
- Models
come is all forms, styles and backgrounds. From the poster
for a county fair, a product display, or magazine ad. Maybe
the advertising agent just likes your feet! (ex: doing a
product ad for shoes). There is more work out there than
you can imagine.
- Even
if you change your mind later or do not become a 'supermodel'
you will have some very nice portraits and photographs!
We
hope this has helped you understand "how to be a model"
or decide if you want to consider modeling. New models come
online in the fashion and glamour industry every day. Could
this include you?
CONSULTATION
- Information on breaking into professional modeling (i.e.
- getting paid!). See Consultation
Page for some information that may be of interest to you
if you are new to the modeling industry. This page will show
you some basic steps to start and help make some decisions.
One
tip worth noting: Do
not accept every offer made, especially TFP.
It is very disheartening to put in the time and effort only
to receive substandard photos in return. Do not expect $1,000
worth of professional photos for 2 hours of TFP but you should
receive photos that are high quality and professionally
done and printed. Be selective. This is difficult
when starting out (i.e. - accept every offer presented to
you) but you will be better off if you are selective right
from the start. It's okay to turn down offers, especially
if they do not provide you with tangible advancement for your
goals or expectations. So, stay away from amateurs that have
never professionally produced products or do not have a professional
background in photography (it's okay to ask things like "where
were you trained" or "where did you get your degree"
or "where is your work displayed" or "who are
some of your known clients / companies". You're not looking
for snapshot quality photography!
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